Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-17
AmuSenlentS,

Mr. WILSON BARRETTs 'HANLET."-So great was
the desire TO see Mr.. Wilson Barrett's much dis
BILE standing room was not procurable at the
National Theater shortly after eight O'Clock last
night Every seat in the house was filled by one
OF tue most brilliant and distinguished audiences
gathered In Washington this season. The Presi-
dent and Mrs. Cleveland and Col. and Mrs. Lamont
occupied box, and through the house were TO be
seen many other government officials and people
Wen known In public life and In society. This
notable and critical assemblage watched with
deepening interest Mr. Barretts portrayal Of
Shakespeare's subtle and fascinating creation and
almost TO a man remained seated until the curtain
1ei Few moments before midnight. The same
signs or intelligent appreciation OF Mr. Barrett'S
work, expressed by frequent and enthusiastic out
bursts OF applause and repeated calls before
essn to s1eae 4e than t os
his two previous appearances, so that whatever
differences Of opinion there may be as to the just
Hamlet which Mr.. Barrett shows u.s. 1t cannot be
denied that last nights audience was abundantly
pleased with the English actors embodiment OF it.
This Hamlet Is handsome young prince, strong
and 1.-THE OF limb, duly conscious OF his noble
heritage, and plainly not unmindful OF those per-
sonal powers and graces which win him immedi-
ate favor in the popular eye. About him there
hangs little OF the cOntemplative air OF the stu
dent, and the narrowing doubt and self-distrust
which form so marked and persistent phase OF the
character as presented by other actors appear not
at all or only as quickly evanescent moods, that
anIv no aEang impress On .e s 4ne n anu
tiful and poetic melancholy, to the present gene
ration OF thoughtful American play gOerS the chief
mark and charm of the ideal Hamlet which Will
prove the greatest source OF disappointment in
Mr.. BarrettS 1mpersOnat1on TO those who
come to 1t with we'll fixed notions Of the charac-
Ter. Aside from this, Mr.. Barrett'S Hamlet is
a piece OF work of rare merit, showing the high
est attachments OF hiStr1onic art In the keen In
telligence with which the smallest details have
been patiently and consistently wrought out and
the harmonious informing spirit which pervadeS 1t
from first 10 last. IL Is full of effective touches which
are entirely new with Mr. Barrett and added not a
little TO the lively interest with which last nights
performance was watched. The Encouragement
of the play which Mr.. Barrett has made has I'M
queSttonably added 10 the lucidity and cOnSecu-
uveneSs OF the action. These novelties and
changes can only be alluded TO. Mr., Barrett'S
treatment OF the scene with Guildenstern and
Rosencrdnz was particularly effective, and that
be regarded by some as verg1ng on the melO-
dramatic. The famous sOlil0quy was strongly
rendered, though wanting In that air OF
selI-cOmnun1On which has been referred
to above. The death scene was admirably worked
up, and held the audience Spell-bound until, hav-
Ing kissed the portrait OF the father whose ghOSy
beheStS he had accomplished, even at the cost Of
life and love, he fell back with weary smile and
stretched out dead Miss EaStlake was a salts
factory Ophelia and the remainder OF the COM
pany did creditable work. The mounting of the
piece was very beautiful and In exquisite taste
throughout. This evening Mr.. Barrett Will APP
Athens.
MODJESKA'S ENGAGEMENT.-The sale OF seats for
the engagement OF Nine. Helena Modjeska at
Albaugh'S next week began at the box Office Of
that theater to-day. Mme MOdteSka will open
Monday evening in "Nary Stewart"